Rory McIlroy aiming to rain on World Golf Final party by seeing off Tiger Woods

Rory McIlroy’s plans for a day on the beach with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki were ruined by a thunderstorm – and the outside chance of still being able to win £936,000.

Under the weather: McIlroy (Picture: REUTERS)

World No.1 McIlroy chipped in for birdie on the final hole of his second group match at the World Golf Final in Turkey, only to see rival Charl Schwartzel follow him in from 12ft.

That meant a one-shot victory for the South African and a second straight defeat for McIlroy, who was left needing to beat Tiger Woods and see Schwartzel beat Matt Kuchar to have any chance of making the semi-finals.

However, those final group games were called off after a massive thunderstorm, which means all eight players are still in with a chance of reaching the semis when they resume on Thursday.

After the rains ended hopes of a day on the beach, McIlroy said: ‘It was actually a decent match. I felt like I played a bit better today.’

As for his showdown with Woods, McIlroy added: ‘I’ll try and keep him out of those semi-finals. I’m sure that’s not what the tournament wants but it’s what I’m going to try to do.’